Place: Berks County (Pa.) and Birdsboro (Pa.) - Philadelphia Area Archives Search Results

Start Over Place Berks County (Pa.) Place Birdsboro (Pa.)

Extent:: 2.75 linear feet
Abstract:: While it was open, Birdsboro Steel Foundry and Machine Company in Birdsboro, Berks County, Pennsylvania (later known as Birdsboro Corp.) was known as the oldest foundry in the United States, tracing its roots back to William Bird's New Pine Forge, founded in 1740. Birdsboro Steel provided products to the United States military for every major conflict through the Korean War. The company closed down in 1988 after a lengthy strike and the inability to compete with increasing foreign steel imports. Birdsboro Steel Foundry and Machine Company employee records, 1897-1960s, consist primarily of medical and salary records. There are also some patent records relating to the Camden Iron Works in Camden, New Jersey.

Held at: Tri-County Heritage Society [Contact Us]

Extent:: 75.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The region of southeastern Pennsylvania where southern Berks, northern Chester, and eastern Lancaster counties meet is known locally as the "Tri-County" area. The Tri-County area was first settled by Welsh immigrants, and later by German, Irish, and Scottish immigrants. While the area was largely agricultural, it also developed into an important early industrial corridor. In the early twenty-first century, the Tri-County area is a mix of farmland, industry, and suburban real estate development. Tri-County Heritage Society local history collection, 1735-1990s, consists of manuscripts and other original materials, photographs and audiovisual materials, secondary-source materials, printed matter and ephemera, and other documents relating to the history, residents, organizations, and businesses of Berks, Chester, and Lancaster counties. There is also some material relating to Delaware, Montgomery, and other nearby counties in Pennsylvania.

Held at: Tri-County Heritage Society [Contact Us]

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